Need to hard-reset on firmware updates?

[Natey2]

New to Merlin.
My RT-AC88U was running Merlin 386.5_2
In Repeater Mode (2.4 GHz only; 5GHz band turned off) [needed stronger WiFi signal for some devices]
Primary router is RT-AX92U running stock 3.0.0.4.386_46061

Flashed RT-AC88U to Merlin 386.7_2
Could no longer connect to my router via wifi or ethernet cable to LAN port, despite reboots.

Had to hard-reset the router, and set it up as Repeater again.
Do I need to do this with every firmware update?

 

[L&LD]

Maybe.

 

[ColinTaylor]

Had to hard-reset the router, and set it up as Repeater again.
Do I need to do this with every firmware update?

You shouldn't need to. If you do that would be regarded as a bug. Hopefully it was just a one-off glitch and won't happen again.